Utility Regulatory Policy Analyst Senior

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks a regulatory policy leader to plan and implement Austin Energy's strategy in Texas. You will coordinate legislative analysis, testify before regulators, and work with industry groups to shape policy affecting the electric grid and rate design.

Minimum qualifications include a business/economics/public affairs degree with 5 years of related experience; a Master may substitute. Travel to multiple locations may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus five years of related work experience required.
• Master's degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Experience with regulatory processes at state and federal levels preferred.
• Ability to travel to various work locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement regulatory strategies for Austin Energy in Texas.
• Lead legislative and regulatory analyses and report findings.
• Collaborate with state/federal regulators, municipalities, and industry groups.
• Testify as an expert witness in proceedings before regulatory authorities.
• Develop financial and econometric models for policy studies.
• Provide research on regulatory issues and recommend strategic policy.

Skills

Regulatory analysis

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Public affairs

Legislation tracking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, Economics, Public Affairs, or related field

Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two years

Job description

About This Position

This position is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing Austin Energy's strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the electric utility industry in Texas.

Job Description: Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
• Designs and coordinates legislative strategies with appropriate staff to improve Austin Energy's competitive position in the industry.
• Serves as Austin Energy's liaison with industry, cooperatives, municipalities, new market entrants, and environmental and consumer organizations.
• Analyzes and monitors State and Federal regulatory and legislative trends as implemented throughout the industry.
• Oversees, monitors, and participates in the State regulatory authorities’ processes, including implementing legislation, rule changes, workshops, and projects.
• Performs economic analyses of State and Federal operational, environmental, and financial regulations and reports related to the industry.
• Testifies as an expert witness in proceedings and workshops before the State regulatory authority, as required.
• Oversees transmission certificate of convenience, necessity projects, and financial and economic analyses related to the industry.
• Develops and/or utilizes financial and/or econometric computer models for use in studies and reports.
• Represents municipal electric segment in State electric grid market participant process.
• Serves as liaison with the technical staff of the State regulatory agency and operator of the state electric grid.
• Provides research on regulatory related issues, analyzes strategic alternatives, and recommends strategic policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the State, Federal, and Local level.
• Knowledge of revenue requirements, rate design, transmission cost allocation, and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues.
• Knowledge of State electric grid market rules and processes.
• Knowledge of municipal utility finance and accounting.
• Knowledge of competitive business practices and analysis.
• Ability to understand and implement performance-based measurements.
• Ability to complete detailed analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to review materials to be submitted for regulatory proceedings.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing economic and statistical reports.
• Skill in communicating effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in preparing professional reports, papers, and articles for publication.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, Economic, Public Affairs, or any utility regulatory process development field, plus five (5) years of related work experience.

Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the state, federal and local level
• Understanding of revenue requirements, rate design, transmission cost allocation, and rate filing requirements
• Understanding of Texas municipally owned electric utility regulation issues
• Understanding of state electric grid market rules and processes
• Understanding of municipal utility finance and accounting
• Experience completing detailed legislative and regulatory analysis
• Experience preparing materials to be submitted for regulatory proceedings
• Experience preparing and analyzing economic and statistical reports
• Experience communicating effectively, orally and in writing
• Experience preparing professional reports, papers, and articles for publication
• Ability to travel to various work locations for regular work

Notes to Candidate

This position manages and coordinates strategic policy for Austin Energy at the state and federal level, including federal and state legislative bodies, the Public Utility Commission, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. This position will work on various issues related to the ERCOT wholesale electric market, Public Utility Commission regulatory rulemakings, legislative analysis, and strategy. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Veteran Interview Preference

Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 verifying honorable discharge, at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

Criminal History Background Check

The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 7-year criminal history background check.

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Work Location

Work Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Pay Range

Pay Range: Commensurate based on experience and approved City of Austin pay scales & rates Days/Hours: Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work hours may change according to departmental needs. Work hours may include after core hours of operation, holidays, and weekends.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.

Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.